Putting a fence around your home does more than create a border and increase your privacy, it also adds to the overall look of your home. While there are many different types of fences to choose from, wood fences are one of the most popular types of fences in America. Wood fences are so popular because they are attractive, affordable, and durable. Whether your wood fence is made of cedar, redwood, or pine, it can last for years with the right maintenance. If you've recently invested in a wood fence for your home, follow these 4 tips to keep it in great condition.

1. Make sure your wood posts are pressure treated. It's important for the posts of a cedar fence to be pressure treated because the posts will come into contact with moisture and insects when they are inserted into the ground. When these posts are pressure treated they are treated with chemicals that make them resistant to the deteriorating effects of moisture and insects. Since pickets sit above ground, they don't need to be pressure treated.

2. Apply a water-repellent wood preservative to the fence. Applying a water-repellent wood preservative to your new fence will help protect it against elements that it's likely to come into contact with over time. Without a preservative, the wood will begin to rot and split, and the fence may start to lean shortly after purchasing it. Applying a wood preservative won't only keep your fence looking good; it will also extend its lifetime.

3. Fix problems as they arise. Whether it's a damaged panel, loose posts, or rusty hinges, fixing each problem as soon as you see it will help keep your fence in good condition in the long run. One of the benefits of a wood fence is that if one panel is damaged, you can replace that one piece without buying an entirely new fence. If your fence has locks and hinges that are rusted, you can simply lubricate them with automotive grease.

4. Place sprinklers away from the fence. While you can't protect your fence from all damaging elements, such as rain, you can protect it from extra, unnecessary elements, such as sprinklers. Even with a wood preservative applied to your fence, the consistent spraying of water from a sprinkler can cause your fence to rot prematurely.

Wood fences are so popular because of their attractiveness, and following these 4 maintenance tips will ensure they maintain their attractive look for years to come.

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